Wave of Russian airstrikes in central Syria kill 3

BEIRUT – Syrian activists say Russian warplanes have struck in the central Homs province, killing at least two children and a shepherd.

An activist media platform in the central town of Talbiseh said at least 10 air raids were carried out on the town and nearby areas Sunday. A video posted by the group showed panicked residents fleeing.

Another Syria-based activist, who goes by the name Bebars al-Talawy, says at least 15 people were wounded.

Russia began launching airstrikes Wednesday, targeting mainly central and northwestern Syria, strategic regions that are the gateway to President Bashar Assad's main strongholds.

Moscow says it is targeting the Islamic State group and helping the Syrian government to fight terrorism, but at least some of its airstrikes have hit Western-backed rebels.